From the Bill of rights to the way we vote, from parliamentary headquarters to local council - and everything in between - Maria Gill explains our system of government. You will discover facts about laws, our currency, voting at the elections and the role of the media.

"Antarctica is a fascinating place. It is beautiful, cold, remote, and difficult to get to, which means everyone who goes there - today or in the past - has a special reason for wanting to go. Antarctica Journeys is about the journeys - historical and contemporary, human and anim...al, large and small - that build up an overall picture of Antarctic history, geography, science and wildlife. Photographs, maps and paintings, letters, diaries, newspaper and eye-witness reports from the days of early exploration, as well as later research and interviews, paint a vivid picture of an amazing continent"--Back cover.Read more

Introducing 20 of our most interesting native trees to young New Zealand naturalists, Sandra Morris presents charming watercolour illustrations and text in a style that mirrors her earlier successful book, Discovering New Zealand Birds. Each tree is shown in full with individual ...illustrations of the leaves, flower parts, seed heads, and any insects, animals and birds that co-exist with or frequent the tree. In addition there are notes and illustrations to depict early Maori and European uses for each tree. Included are kauri, tree ferns, beeches, cabbage tree, nikau, pohutukawa, manuka, kanuka, rewarewa, puriri, kowhai, lancewood, taire, karaka, tree daisies, kahikatea, rimu, totara, matai, and miro. Children will learn about different types of forest in 'What is a tree?' at the beginning of the book and an index and bibliography complete an effective natural history resource that is sure to be popular with children and teachers alike.Read more

The story of the 19th century New Zealand Wars, a part of New Zealand's history that many people wish they knew more about. The book describes how the wars came about, where and when they were fought, who was involved, and how they affected women and children.

"Reviews the historic events behind the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and charts the celebrations, tensions and protests witnessed in the years that followed, concluding with a summary of the Waitangi Day events held around the country on 6th February today"--Publishe...r information.Read more

"This book exposes the rich history behind Anzac Day, seeking to answer the many questions children often ask their parents and teachers around the 25th of April every year. It covers all aspects of Anzac Day, from the Gallipoli Campaign and the Great War, right through to the fo...rmat of the commemorative services held annually throughout the country. The author identifies important memorials around New Zealand, examines the national anthem, the tradition of Anzac biscuits and the Last Post, Reveille music, plus much more. She also offers websites and projects for further study. The thoroughly researched information is presented alongside numerous images, both historic and contemporary, giving children a very clear view of the significance and background to Anzac Day"--Publisher information. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.Read more

Set along the rugged beauty of the South Australian coast, Storm Boy cares for an injured pelican and finds a friend that shows him the power of loyalty and love. This moving story is now a major motion-picture and one of the classics of Australian writing for children. This edit...ion comes with five other stories by Colin Thiele that capture the unique voices of Australians across the natural and suburban landscape. The Water Trolley- Paul knew the vastness and emptiness of the land around him. Paul understands the delicate balance of nature. Through his eyes, readers will fall in love with the sharp vulnerability of the bush. The Lock-Out - The first disaster occurred at the end of Mr Hecht's science lesson. With his parents away in Melbourne, Jim expects a fun break but a series of unfortunate disasters sets in a motion an unforgettable weekend. Dad Ran A Fowl Run - Dad kept fowls once and I'll never forget it. Aveling's dad has ambitions to get rich off of raising a small army of hens and roosters but things turn crooked for Aveling and his dad's big plans. The Shell - Everywhere great columns of white spray rose as if in slow motion... Two travellers realise the terrible beauty of the ocean and the harrowing consequences for those who look away. The Fish Scales - He was five feet long! King of all snappers... A tale of struggle much like that of Ahab, that captures a light-hearted battle between man and nature.Read more

At the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month each year New
Zealanders remember the end of the First World War. Armistice Day, Philippa
Werry's new book for children, commemorates the day when fighting stopped in
Europe. Partnered with best-selling Anzac Day,... it makes an excellent reference for
the whole family.
Kiwi soldiers returned home to a terrible influenza epidemic, as the population
grieved for the loss of life. Memorials were erected and families sought to return to
the battlefields overseas to visit graves of their loved ones.
Well researched and drawing on illustration, photographs and text from various
sources, this is a gripping, moving description of the aftermath of war in Europe,
giving children a clear understanding of the establishment of the United Nations
and New Zealand's role in international peacekeeping.Read more

The 'invaders' of the title are the animals from overseas that have made New Zealand their home - often by human hand and usually with disastrous consequences for the local wildlife. This book dishes out home truths and fascinating insights that will encourage children to take a ...fresh look at the environment and how to protect it.Read more